FLYING THERAPY FOR FLYING PHOBIA

Introduction: Optimum treatment for aircrew who have developed anxiety associated with flight includes a flying phase for desensitization. H owever, standardized flight profiles are not found in the literature. In this study, a method of desensitization flying, which may increase the probability of a return to productive flying, was devised and asse ssed. Method: Seven aircrew were referred for flying desensitization. Behavioral therapy (relaxation training, imaginary flying, and thought switching) was usually continued by the Medical Officer (Pilot) (MOP) . These aircrewmen flew 2-16 sorties in the RAF IAM Hawk or Hunter air craft with the MOP. Each flight was structured with three purposes: to approach by increments the flight conditions in each victim's anxiety hierarchy, to regulate the amount of low workload, anxiety-vulnerable time during each sortie, and to practice relaxation techniques in the air. Results: In all referred aircrewmen, anxiety was controllable in flight at IAM. Somatic signs diminished and no sortie was terminated early. All returned to operational flying. Anxiety recurred in one fas t jet pilot while flying solo, and in one navigator, both of whom requ ested a change to transports. A transport pilot had recurrent uncontro llable anxiety at high altitude and is grounded. At 9-24 months follow -up, 5/7 were flying comfortably with rare, controllable anxiety. We c onclude that actual exposure to flying is usually necessary for aircre w to recover from anxiety associated with flight.